Import properties, homeowners, and checklists from a file

Upload a spreadsheet, document, or photo and let AI turn it into records you review before anything is saved.

Last updated August 1, 2026


If your records already live in a spreadsheet, a document, or even a photo of a printed sheet, you don't have to retype them. Upload the file and NestWatch reads it with AI, turning each row into a record you review before anything is saved. Import from file works in three places:

  • Properties: open Properties and click Import from file to bring in a list of homes.
  • Homeowners: open Homeowners and click Import from file to bring in your client list.
  • Checklist templates: open Templates and click Import from file to turn an existing checklist document into a reusable template.

Supported files

  • Spreadsheets: Excel (.xlsx) and CSV.
  • Documents: PDF, Word (.docx), plain text, and Markdown.
  • Photos: PNG, JPG, WEBP, or GIF, such as a snapshot of a printed list.

Files can be up to 10 MB. The older .doc and .xls formats aren't supported; save them as .docx or .xlsx first.

How the review step works

The Import Properties review dialog showing parsed rows with editable fields, a Possible duplicate badge on an unchecked row, and an Import button that counts only the checked rows.
The review step: every parsed row is editable, likely duplicates arrive flagged and unchecked, and nothing is saved until you click Import.
  1. Upload the file. NestWatch parses it with AI, which usually takes a few seconds.
  2. Review what it found. Every record appears with its details filled in; fix anything the AI misread and uncheck any rows you don't want.
  3. Approve the import. Only the checked records are created, and nothing is saved until this step.
The Import Homeowners review dialog showing parsed client rows with editable name, email, and phone fields, a Possible duplicate badge on an unchecked row, and an Import button that counts only the checked rows.
Homeowner imports work the same way: every client row is editable, a row whose email matches an existing client arrives flagged and unchecked, and only the checked rows are imported.
The Import a Checklist review dialog showing parsed checklist items grouped by room, each with an editable category, label, and required toggle, plus Discard and Create Template buttons.
Checklist imports get the same review step: every item arrives with its room and label editable, and nothing is saved until you click Create Template.
Tip · The review is a draft, not a commitment. Discard it at any point and no records are created.

Tips for good results

  • Keep one row (or one line) per record.
  • Include the columns that matter: the full address for properties, and a name and email for homeowners.
  • Label your columns (Name, Address, Email, Phone). Clear headers help the AI map each field correctly.
  • For photos, a straight-on, well-lit shot of the page reads much better than an angled one.

Duplicates and existing records

  • A property whose address matches one you already manage is flagged as a likely duplicate and left unchecked. Check it to import it anyway.
  • A homeowner whose email matches an existing client is flagged and left unchecked the same way.
  • When an imported property lists an owner whose email already exists, NestWatch links the existing homeowner instead of creating a copy.

AI credits

Each file you parse uses one AI credit, from the same monthly allowance that drafts your reports. Reviewing, editing, and approving are free, and a file that can't be read doesn't use a credit. The usage meter at the bottom of the sidebar always shows how many credits you have left.

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